417 million children live in severe multidimensional deprivation. UNICEF data on education, health, nutrition, and more.
Children are disproportionately affected by poverty. While they make up 31% of the world's population, they represent over 50% of those living in multidimensional poverty—facing deprivations that harm their development during crucial formative years.
417 million children suffer severe deprivations in at least 2 of 6 critical areas: education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation, and water. 118 million face 3 or more simultaneous deprivations, and 17 million endure 4 or more.
The highest rates of multidimensional child poverty are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where children face barriers to education, healthcare, clean water, and adequate nutrition at alarming rates.
Tanzania reduced multidimensional child poverty by 46 percentage points between 2000 and 2023 through cash support grants. Bangladesh cut child poverty by 32 percentage points in the same period, proving rapid progress is achievable.
Distribution of 417M children facing severe multidimensional poverty
Key Insight: The majority (282M) face exactly 2 severe deprivations, while 118M children endure 3 or more. The 17M facing 4+ deprivations represent the most vulnerable children globally.
% of poor children affected
Percentage point decline
Relative monetary poverty - % of children below national poverty line
Key Insight: Even in wealthy countries, 50 million children (23% of all children) live in relative monetary poverty. Rates vary dramatically—from under 10% in Nordic countries to over 30% in some nations.
UNICEF's State of the World's Children 2025 uses a multidimensional approach that goes beyond income to assess deprivations in six critical areas:
A child is considered to be in severe deprivation when they lack access to at least two of these six dimensions.
Data coverage: The 2025 report draws on data from over 130 low- and middle-income countries, representing the most comprehensive assessment of child poverty to date.